Rose Krapowicz, 104; Pioneer Tree Experts Owner, Enjoyed Gardening

Rose Krapowicz, age 104, a longtime resident of Pound Ridge, NY died Friday, April 11, 2014 in Stamford.

Born Rose Irene Fenick on Feb. 6, 1910 she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Stephania Fenick. She grew up on a working farm on Barnegat Road in Pound Ridge. 

The eldest of 13 children, Rose looked after her siblings and tended to business on the farm. As a young woman, she worked as a governess in Washington DC, and Greenwich.

She married Jacob R. Krapowicz on August 11, 1930 in New Canaan. Mr. Krapowicz, who passed away in 1976, was the first police chief of Pound Ridge in the 1950s. Both Rose and Jacob owned and managed Pioneer Tree Experts, a nursery/landscaping business; Rose ran the office and did the financial work. Following Jacob's death, Rose tended to her extensive flower and vegetable gardens. She sold fresh vegetables and canned goods from her stand in Pound Ridge, as well as delivering them to clients in the Ridgefield and New Canaan areas. 

Rose became an excellent seamstress, sewing hers and her daughter, Marion's stylish clothes. Rose was very dedicated to her faith, and attended mass regularly at St. Aloysius in New Canaan, CT. As a young woman, she sang in the choir. Two of her aspirations were to travel to Florida and to eat out everyday. Through hard work, and possessing a keen business sense, she succeeded in fulfilling her dreams. She was a benefactor to various Catholic charities and generous with family members. 

Rose loved to dance and sing. Her favorite song was "There's A Long Long Trail A-Winding" from 1914. Through the years, many family gatherings occurred at her home during holidays and special occasions. A great number of family members would gather around the piano and sing after enjoying the bountiful food that Rose prepared. Rose hosted these gatherings until she was 100 years old. She remained independent in her Pound Ridge home until the age of 102, at which time she moved to Brighton Gardens of Stamford.

This year the City of Stamford proclaimed February 6th Rose Krapowicz Day in honor of her 104th birthday. 

Rose had two children, Marion A.Safford, of LaGrangeville NY, who passed away in 2005, and Jacob C. Krapowicz of Danbury CT, who passed away in 1999.

Following the death of her children, Rose enjoyed the companionship and care of her devoted daughter-in-law, Elna Krapowicz, of Danbury CT. Elna passed away in August, 2013. 

Rose is survived by her son-in-law, Richard Safford, as well as her grandchildren, Jenifer West, Lee-Anne Homsey, Jon Krapowicz, Rick Safford, Michael Safford, and Kathleen Joslin. Rose was a great grandmother to Rick Safford II, Alyssa Safford, Pixel Jane West, Nastassia West, Olivia Joslin, and Matthew Joslin. 

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 10:00AM at St Aloysius Church, Cherry Street, New Canaan with Interment to follow in Lakeview Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends at the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St., New Canaan on Friday evening April 25, from 4 to 8PM.